There is an effort underway in Kenneth City to reduce pedestrian and bike crashes. 

In 2014, nearly 2,500 people were killed in traffic crashes on Florida roads. A little more than 600 of those were pedestrians and another 135 were bicyclists. 

Kenneth City officials saw those numbers and wanted to do their part in their community. The Kenneth City Police Department received a grant from the Florida Department of Transportation for a highly visible enforcement program. 

The idea is to increase awareness and compliance with drivers and pedestrians. 

Officers will be out at some of the area's busiest intersections looking for drivers who aren't yielding for pedestrians - as well as pedestrians who are not using crosswalks. 

One Kenneth City resident said the enforcement is much needed in the area, especially due to the close proximity if major intersections near schools. 

Roberts Rajewski owns a used car dealership on the corner of 62nd Street and 54th Avenue in Kenneth City and said he has seen plenty at that intersection over the years. 

"Sometimes they really don't pay attention," he said of drivers in the area. "We have a lot of foot traffic from the grade school down the street, we have a great crossing guard here, but also from the high school right down the street, and any improvements that will help these children, we find it's great for them and our community here." 

Dixie Hollins High School is a few blocks away and parents of students they're happy about the effort to keep kids safe. 

"It is chaotic and you do have to be paying attention," said parent Brian Stavely. "I've seen a couple incidents where there's been some speeders and people not paying attention to the walkways."

Kenneth City officers will be at busy intersections Monday making sure drivers and walkers know the rules of the road. Roadways to include the intersections of 62nd St N and 54th Ave N. and 46th Ave N and 66th St N.

Bay News 9/News 13 has partnered with the Florida Department of Transportation on its “Alert Today, Alive Tomorrow” campaign. The idea is to make sure we’re all sharing the road with people who walk or ride their bikes, and everyone makes it where they need to be safely. FDOT has resources for you at alerttodayflorida.com.